How Will Sidhi's Iconic Hand-woven Panja Durries Earn Global Fame?
Sidhi. The Panja Durrie and carpet industry is poised to bring global recognition to Sidhi. During a recent cabinet meeting, the Madhya Pradesh government decided to promote the traditional products of seven districts under the 'One District, One Product' scheme. Consequently, the renowned Panja Durries and carpets of the Sidhi district have also been included in this initiative.
To foster the preservation, development, and marketing of these products, the government has sanctioned a combined sum of Rs 37.50 crore for the seven districts over the next five years. This move is expected to provide renewed economic stability to the weavers in the Sidhi district who are engaged in the ancestral trade of crafting durries and carpets.
Under the 'Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh' (Self-Reliant MP) roadmap, Panja Durries and carpets were officially selected as the 'One District, One Product' for the Sidhi district for the year 2021-22. Sidhi's durries and carpets have already established a distinct identity both within India and abroad, thanks to their exquisite craftsmanship, sturdy threads, vibrant colors, and exceptional durability.
These products have also garnered acclaim at numerous national and international handicrafts and trade fairs. Despite this recognition, the weavers associated with this traditional industry had, for a long time, struggled to achieve economic stability.
Lack of access to better markets and reliance on other states for raw materials
The primary reasons for this were a lack of access to better markets and a heavy reliance on other states for raw materials. Among all the district's products, the Panja durrie enjoys the greatest popularity across the country and the globe. These durries are traditionally crafted by women within the confines of their homes.
Panja Durries crafted by village women
A campaign to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for this craft has also been underway for quite some time. The names of villages such as Hatwa Khas in Sihawal and Bharatpur in the Sidhi district have now reached audiences far beyond national borders. These villages are celebrated for the Panja Durries crafted by their womenfolk. Many women involved in this trade have successfully transformed themselves into 'Lakhpatis' (individuals earning in the lakhs).
Recognizing this remarkable success, the government has formally incorporated Panja Durries into the 'One District, One Product' scheme. In Bharatpur, Hatwa Khas, and the surrounding villages, women affiliated with the Livelihood Mission—along with their families—are directly engaged in the production of Panja durries.
Thousands of families in the district linked to the trade
Over a thousand families across the district are currently associated with the business of crafting Panja durries and carpets. Approximately 95 looms are currently operational. The primary hub for this activity is Bharatpur in the Rampur Naikin development block; additionally, a large number of weavers are engaged in this craft across surrounding villages—including Hatwa Khas, Hatwa Devarth, Khorba Tola, Pathrauhi, Amarpur, and Marsar—within the Sihawal development block.
Under the aegis of the Handloom and Village Industries Department, seven committees are currently functioning in the Hatwa region, involving the participation of nearly 500 weavers. Furthermore, under the Madhya Pradesh DAY-Rural Livelihood Project, 1,500 Self-Help Groups are also actively involved in this work, with each group comprising 10 to 15 working women.
Weavers idepend on orders placed by external companies
Weavers report that, due to the absence of a local market, the majority of weavers in the district remain dependent on orders placed by external companies. Companies based in Uttar Pradesh supply the raw materials and designs, based on which the weavers produce Durries (rugs) and carpets. Subsequently, these very companies export these finished products to national and international markets, thereby appropriating the profits for themselves.
Rohit Patel, Assistant Director, Handloom and Village Industries, Sidhi, said the 'One District-One Product' scheme has been officially approved during a meeting of the State Cabinet. This initiative specifically includes the Durries and carpets of the Sidhi district. Under this scheme, significant impetus will be provided for the preservation, development, and marketing of these traditional and unique products—Durries and carpets.